3rd - 8th Grade Academic Enrichment
“When I came to Summer on the Hill the summer after second grade, I felt like I was really thinking hard for the first time in so long.
I knew that succeeding here wasn’t going to be easy, and this made me work harder. I promised myself that I was never going to quit…
And here I am, making my 8-year-old self proud.” Ericka, 8th Grade Valedictorian, 2017
The Grade 3-8 Program is the core of Summer on the Hill. A six-year commitment for students and parents, the program builds a strong foundation in language arts, math, and science. The year-round program consists of:
• a four-week summer program,
• an academic-year Saturday program, and
• individual guidance on middle and high school choices.
During the Academic Year
Academics: The Grade 3-8 program emphasizes academics throughout the year, with accelerated classes taught by experienced teachers from independent, parochial, and public schools. SOH’s science classes include discussions, labs, and instruction in report-writing. In language arts, students read and discuss complete works appropriate for their grade (e.g., Romeo and Juliet for 8th graders) and participate in creative activities, such as the writing and publishing of a newspaper about Greek gods (5th grade). Math teachers use innovative means to introduce and reinforce math concepts.
Guidance on School Choices: The Director of Placement holds group and individual meetings with students and parents to offer advice on applying to NYC metro area middle and high schools. The Director of Placement works with families throughout the school application process.
Progress Reports: At the end of the winter and spring trimesters, and at the end of the summer program, teachers write progress reports on students’ work that are sent to parents.
Four-Week Summer Program
The Grade 3-8 summer program immerses new and returning students into SOH. The schedule includes daily, intensive instruction in language arts, math, and science, plus visual and performing arts and athletics. The program is held Monday - Friday, from 8:30-4:30.
Summer program staff includes academic teachers, coaches, SOH administrators, and 20-25 high school students who are trained to be mentors to the younger children. Enrollment for the summer program is generally between 150 and 175 students.
High School Programs
“The Mentor Fellowship…helped me start thinking about colleges and taught me about the process early so I feel more prepared.
I liked hearing from experienced mentors who were once in my shoes.” Catherine
The Summer on the Hill High School Program helps alumni of our Grade 3-8 Program make the transition to high school and apply to college. Two-thirds of our students are the first in their families to attend college and benefit from the ongoing encouragement of the HS Program.
Between 2004 and 2017, more than 92% of our high school graduates enrolled at a college or university. Among those attended: Amherst, Barnard, Boston College, Bowdoin, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Harvard, Middlebury, MIT, NYU, Smith, U Penn, Wesleyan, Williams, and Yale.
The High School Program offers:
College Admissions and Financial Aid Workshops: College admissions professionals help students and families understand the admissions process, including applying for financial aid.
College Visits: SOH chaperones small groups of students on day and overnight tours of colleges and universities. Past trips have included tours of American, Boston College, Columbia, Cornell, Haverford, Ithaca, Georgetown, George Washington, Howard, Johns Hopkins, Lafayette, MIT, NYU, Northeastern, Princeton, Syracuse, Temple, Trinity, University of Maryland, University of Pennsylvania, Villanova, Wesleyan, and Yale. Students said they enjoyed ‘getting the real deal’ by going in-person to walk through campuses, eat lunch in dining halls, talk to student guides, and meet with SOH alumni.
College Counseling: In the fall, the Director of the HS Program counsels individual seniors and reviews their college essays. In the spring, the Director meets with students to discuss their acceptances and financial aid packages, and helps them make the best decision for college.
Mentor Fellowship Program: This program connects SOH high school students with professionals who nurture student skills and knowledge in areas outside of academics, such as interview skills, applying for summer jobs and internships, resume writing, public speaking, and college essay editing.
Leadership Opportunities: Selected high school students mentor younger students during the summer program and co-teach some electives.
Davis Scholarships: Through the generosity of the Hilda and Preston Davis Foundation, Summer on the Hill is able to offer $15,000 in scholarships every year to alumni enrolled in Catholic high schools. Priority is given to those with the greatest demonstrated financial need.
“Without Summer on the Hill, I wouldn't have found the courage to apply to more demanding schools and challenge myself. I am so glad that I was given the room to develop academically and emotionally in the three years I was with you all. I am proud to announce that I will be attending Mount Holyoke College in the fall!” Peggy